Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 9 May 2026, 1:17 PM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia restricted entry to Makkah from 13 April 2026 to Hajj permit holders only and suspended Umrah permits from 18 April to 31 May 2026 as the Kingdom prepares for the Hajj pilgrimage beginning around 25 May.
Saudi Arabia has imposed fines of up to SAR 100,000 for facilitating unauthorised Hajj and up to SAR 20,000 for pilgrims performing Hajj without a permit, alongside 10-year re-entry bans for violators.
2026 Hajj: Kwara begins airlift of intending pilgrims May 6 Punch Newspapers
Hajj 2026 pilgrim travel Saudi Arabia Travel And Tour World
Saudia Launches Hajj 2026 Operations: Over 1 Million Seats and 160 Aircraft Mobilized for Global Pilgrims Travel And Tour World
Pakistan rolls out Hajj flights with enhanced facilities Gulf News
Pilgrims Begin Arriving in Saudi Arabia for Hajj خبرگزاری بین المللی قرآن
First Hajj flight departs Islamabad under Road to Makkah project The Nation (Pakistan )